LCD "Viewfinder": Recently, someone asked what happened to optical viewfinders. Good question. I recently got a Sony DSC-HX9V. It's an amazing little camera, but it doesn't have a...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Recently, someone asked what happened to optical viewfinders. Good question. I recently got a Sony DSC-HX9V. It's an amazing little camera, but it doesn't have a viewfinder, just the LCD. Two features that attracted me were the GPS and panoramic capabilities.

The GPS takes so long (10--15 min) to get a signal that it's worthless, but the pano works great. Of course, Canon has free software that also does panoramas. I compared panoramas made internally with the Sony and some made with my Canon SD800 and Canon software. The only difference was the time involved. Neither was perfect, but they were both acceptable.

As for the LCD screen, I can't imagine how anyone can use one of them for all their shooting. The best I can do is get a fair approximation of what I am shooting. And, of course, you have to hold the camera out in front of you.

I'm returning the Sony, and if I find a good P&S with a viewfinder, I might get that. Unfortunately, viewfinders are becoming a rarity.

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

Yes they are rare on P/S cameras... MY Canon Powershot A1200 has one and it works out real good... Its small, but efficent when needed... Ebay has some listed...
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Digital-Cameras-/31388/i.html?Brand=Canon&_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A6064&rt=nc&_nkw=canon+powershot+A1200&_dmpt=Digital_Cameras&_sticky=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_sop=1&_sc=1

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

donrent wrote:

Yes they are rare on P/S cameras... MY Canon Powershot A1200 has one and it works out real good... Its small, but efficent when needed... Ebay has some listed...
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Digital-Cameras-/31388/i.html?Brand=Canon&_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A6064&rt=nc&_nkw=canon+powershot+A1200&_dmpt=Digital_Cameras&_sticky=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_sop=1&_sc=1

I went to dpreview.com, where you can search for cameras according to their features. Viewfinders are limited to larger cameras now. I'll hold onto my SD800.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

jerryc41 wrote:

Recently, someone asked what happened to optical v... (show quote)

I have only found viewfinders on high end Canon P/S lately, they are een disappearing on some of the new small interchangeable lens cameras. Bob.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Have you looked at the Nikon P7100? It is a little bigger than a normal P&S. But it is a great camera. It can keep up with my D300s. I take it when the 300 is going to be to big to take. When we go out to eat, visit friends, family get-togethers. It fits in my coat pocket and my vest pocket.
Erv

rebeil Loc: florida

I have a Sony along with my D3 and do miss a viewfinder on my Sony let us know what model you get

yooperfalls

Fuji has both

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

yooperfalls wrote:

Fuji has both

I have an older Canon SD800 with a viewfinder, so I'm going to stay with that for a pocket camera, and I hate using the LCD as a viewfinder. It seems that viewfinders have gone the way of buggy whips in compact cameras. I have an app called Geotag Photos that records GPS on a smartphone and lets you transfer that to photos taken with any camera. It gets the GPS signal very quickly.

I wanted the GPS feature, and in reviews I read, the Sony HX9V was the best, meaning others were worse. That's hard to believe. I disabled the battery-saver mode and would leave the camera on for up to fifteen minutes before it got a signal. Imagine doing that while you are on vacation somewhere. Of course, getting into a car loses the signal again, so you have to start over.

When I go somewhere in my car, it takes a few minutes to get a signal. China and Europe are establishing their own GPS now, and the U.S. is going to be improving its system. Maybe I'll get another camera in ten years. In the meantime, I guess I'll just have to be satisfied with Nikon and my app.

Mr Clickie Loc: Twin Cities, MN

For my pocket p&s, I have an S90 and while the size is convenient, I really miss the viewfinder. Does anyone have experience with the Panny LX5 (or LX3) w/the EVF? Not as pocketable but I'm thinking more functionable. Or do I sacrifice a little size and go w/ a G12. Comments on users of either? Thanks...

PhotoMeThis Loc: Southern California

Hi -- I have the Canon PowerShot A1200 too, bought it since it had the viewfinder. My Fuji FinePix S1800 also has one. I find it difficult holding the camera still using the screen and also seeing what is on the screen in daylight. I wish all camera's gave you a choice. Maybe the viewfinder will make a comeback.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

PhotoMeThis wrote:

Hi -- I have the Canon PowerShot A1200 too, bought it since it had the viewfinder. My Fuji FinePix S1800 also has one. I find it difficult holding the camera still using the screen and also seeing what is on the screen in daylight. I wish all camera's gave you a choice. Maybe the viewfinder will make a comeback.

After donrent recommended that model, I seriously considered it. However, I have the SD800, with IS, something the 1200 doesn't have. I don't need another P&S. I also have a Canon Powershot A480 (no viewfinder), but it's pretty slow to focus and take a shot - frustrating. I hate to see viewfinders disappearing on compact cameras. Now there's an aftermarket product just waiting to be invented - an add-on viewfinder.

ggttc Loc: TN

I will never buy another camera without an old fashioned view finder...the good wife has a Nikon L120...and had a great photo op...cattle egrets following our horses around...came back in after a few mintutes and said I cant see a thing...really sunny day...she said it was just point and hope.

fotomat1

fortunately, my canon s45, a digital p/s with overides, has an optical view finder; at times I attempt to use just the lcd to compose my images but invariably they blur; as far as I'm concerned, I would never be happy without an ovp.

lhdiver Loc: Midwest

Take a look at the Panasonic DMC-FZ150, it has a viewfinder, shoots RAW & is a nice size. A friend has it & loves it.

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

I bought my wife a Canon G12 last year. She said at the time that she would use the monitor for composing shots. She doesn't - it's the viewfinder 100% of the time.